Lake Nona, FL – ADA Executive Breakfast 2024

On a bright Friday morning, October 25th, 2024, at the GuideWell Innovation Center, attendees gathered for a pivotal moment – the Executive Leadership Breakfast of the 2025 Tour de Cure Florida. The event, designed to bolster support and awareness for diabetes and its impact, commenced promptly at 9:00 a.m. with a warm welcome from Justin Avery, the ADA CLB Chair.  Kenesha, Seresaa, Jade (New member), Jodel, and Z were the representatives in attendance for TeamOne.

The annual Tour de Cure, which welcomes over 1,500 attendees, has a goal of $1,000,000 for the March 30, 2025 event. In preparation for the 2025 event, the Executive Breakfast, allowed business leaders to learn more about the ADA and the growing health and financial impacts of diabetes.

This annual invitation-only event gathers executive participants together to enjoy a social ride, network, and understand and share the reasons why this event holds so much value for the local community.

Schedule of Events

A Warm Welcome

Justin Avery, Audit Partner, KPMG, ADA CLB Chair opened the event by expressing gratitude for the attendees’ presence. “Welcome to the GuideWell Innovation Center,” he said, setting a collaborative tone for the gathering. He introduced Drew Broderick, Senior Project Manager, Williams Company, 2025 Tour de Cure Executive Chair. Drew’s commitment to the American Diabetes Association (ADA) and his extensive experience frame the agenda around the critical issues concerning diabetes.

Drew Broderick Shares His Journey

At 9:05 a.m., Drew Broderick took the stage for his opening remarks, extending a heartfelt welcome to all participants. He echoed his commitment to the ADA, sharing personal reflections on his journey with the Tour de Cure, emphasizing how his involvement went beyond mere fundraising. “Being part of the Tour de Cure has opened my eyes to the reality of this disease,” he shared. His candid narrative spoke to the urgency of addressing diabetes—a condition affecting over 133 million Americans today.

“This journey is more than a project; it’s about affecting change for millions who live with diabetes,” Drew continued, his words resonating deeply with the audience. His unprepared remarks captured the gravity of the diabetes epidemic, urging everyone present to recognize the collective responsibility in fighting against this chronic illness.

Understanding the ADA’s Mission and Vision

As the program unfolded, Drew led the attendees through a presentation showcasing the ADA’s mission and vision, supplemented by a series of informative slides. The key takeaways were striking:

1. Combating Diabetes: The ADA is relentless in its pursuit to prevent, cure, and improve the lives of those affected by diabetes. Drew emphasized the organization’s comprehensive approach to education, advocacy, and funding.
2. Investment in Research: Since 1952, the ADA has invested over $900 million into diabetes research, underscoring its commitment to discovering innovative treatments and solutions.
3. Educational Support: Over 700,000 individuals have benefited from ADA’s diabetes self-management education and support programs, empowering them with the knowledge to effectively manage their condition.
4. Urgent Statistics: Drew highlighted the alarming statistic that every 26 seconds, someone in the United States is diagnosed with diabetes. This startling fact serves not only to illustrate the prevalence of the condition but also the pressing need for education, research, and support.
5. Economic Impact: The economic burden of diabetes cannot be overlooked. With substantial healthcare costs associated with the disease and prediabetes, the ADA’s mission is critical not just for health, but also for economic stability.

A Panel of Inspiration

The breakfast featured a rich tapestry of voices with Jason Siegel as the moderator The panelists included notable figures such as Tony Jenkins, Dr. Myron Rolle, Alana Seger, and Jason Guy. Each participant brought a unique perspective on diabetes management and prevention, making for a robust dialogue that explored various facets of this pressing health issue.

From medical experts addressing the clinical complexities of diabetes to advocates sharing personal stories of triumph and resilience, every speaker contributed invaluable insights that educated and inspired the audience. Their conversations unveiled stark statistics revealing the staggering impact of diabetes, a disease that affects millions of Americans. They underscored the crucial role that public awareness plays in combating the epidemic, drawing attention to the need for enhanced understanding and proactive measures.

One of the pivotal themes of the discussions was the importance of embracing healthier lifestyles. The panel urged attendees to scrutinize their eating habits, make nutritionally sound choices, and weave more physical activity into their daily routines. The sentiment echoed throughout the event was clear: diabetes is not solely a product of genetics; rather, its trajectory is significantly influenced by our lifestyle choices. By celebrating small victories on the journey toward better health, we were reminded that every positive change contributes to a larger shift toward wellness, no matter how minor.

Introducing Jason Guy: The Heart and Voice of WESH 2 Sunrise

With a career marked by excellence in journalism, Jason Guy’s achievements speak volumes. He has received multiple Emmy Awards, accolades from the Florida Association of Broadcast Journalists, and recognition for his impactful anchoring and reporting skills. His contributions have not only enhanced the reputation of WESH 2 but have also made a significant impact on the fabric of Central Florida.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jason is deeply committed to community service. He has dedicated his time and effort to various charitable causes, reflecting his belief in giving back to the community that has supported him throughout his career. His passion for service reached a personal crescendo in 2021 when his oldest daughter, Quinn, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. This life-altering experience galvanized Jason into action, propelling him into the fight against this disease. He has made it his mission to raise awareness and support efforts to find a cure, striving to ensure that no family has to face the challenges of diabetes alone.

Jason often shares powerful insights into his journey as a father, especially in the context of supporting his daughter through her diagnosis. This personal narrative not only resonates with many families facing similar situations but also adds depth to his role as a news anchor. His ability to weave these personal experiences into his professional work makes him not just a broadcaster, but a significant advocate for health awareness and community well-being.

Jason takes center stage to motivate and inspire others to join in the fight against diabetes. With his supportive colleagues at WESH 2 and partners like Williams Company and AdventHealth, he encourages people to form corporate teams, pledge support, and play an active role in spreading awareness and raising funds for diabetes research.

As attendees fill out commitment cards, Jason remains a beacon of positivity, reminding everyone of the impact their contributions can have on the lives of those affected by diabetes. In his closing remarks, he expresses heartfelt gratitude and shares his vision for a future where communities unite for a common cause, creating a ripple effect of hope and inspiration.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As the breakfast progressed, the energy in the room shifted towards a clear call to action. Each participant in attendance has a role to play in supporting the ADA’s mission and the success of the 2025 Tour de Cure Florida.

Among the many powerful messages delivered during the breakfast, perhaps the most compelling was the call to action. The speakers encouraged everyone not simply to absorb information but to actively engage in the cause. They passionately advocated for increased education surrounding diabetes, collaboration among community members, and the power of giving—whether through generous donations or volunteering for future events.

This gathering was not only about raising awareness but also about uniting a community aimed at eradicating the burdens of diabetes. The shared experience and insight among the attendees laid a strong foundation for collaborative efforts in the upcoming Tour de Cure events, ensuring that resources and awareness continue to be directed toward this vital cause.

All of today’s speakers’ commitment and the organization’s strategic vision resonated strongly with leaders, healthcare professionals, and advocates alike, emphasizing that while individual lifestyle changes are imperative, the battle against diabetes requires a collective effort. Everyone has a role to play—whether as advocates, educators, or simply by sharing our stories to inspire others. The energy in the room was infectious, and it was clear that attendees were not just spectators but participants in a critical movement aimed at combating diabetes.

Conclusion

The Executive Leadership Breakfast served as a reminder of the profound impact we can make when we come together with a shared purpose. As Jason Guy eloquently articulated, the fight against diabetes is not just one for the individual; it’s a collective endeavor that affects families, communities, and our nation as a whole. United by the vision of a diabetes-free future, everyone present left inspired to take meaningful action in support of the ADA and the upcoming Tour de Cure Florida. Together, we can break the cycle of diabetes and pave the way for healthier lives.

Photos

Thank you to the TeamOne members in attendance: Kenesha Osbourne, Seresaa Cesareo, Jodel Jerome, and Zrain Olivencia. Also to the new TeamOne member Jade Simon.

Everyone can make a difference in one of several ways: become a Corporate Sponsor, Start a Team, Join a Team, or Donate. “Together we can make a difference and win the war against diabetes”.

Ciao,
TeamOne